Intro to Backpacking

As low as:

$745.00 / person

(at 6:1 ratio) Next Trip: Jul 9 - 11, 2027
  • STRENUOUSNESS
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  • TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
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Add-ons

HVI Cancellation Coverage $38.00

As per our Cancellation Policy, your trip or course is 100% non-refundable as of 30 days prior to the trip/course start date. Purchasing this add-on will allow you to cancel your trip/course within that 30 day time period for reasons of injury, illness or family emergency, and will provide you with a credit for the full value of your trip/course fee which can be used on any Hike Vancouver Island or Island Alpine Guides trip or course for up to one year from the start date of the trip/course originally booked. If needed, credits can be transferred to another person of your choice. We charge a $25 admin fee in these cases.

 ABOUT


This course was designed for beginner- to intermediate-level hikers looking to advance their confidence and competency in the mountains. Over the course, participants will hone their ability to plan, prepare and pursue future adventures ranging from alpine day trips to multi-week expeditions. Along the way, we’ll explore the iconic alpine of Vancouver Island, learning as we go and hiking a peak or two along the way. 

Sample Curriculum *content may vary depending on the instructor and/or weather conditions. 

Outdoor Skills
  • Leave No Trace 
  • Pack fitting & loading
  • Campsite selection
  • Tent and tarp pitching
  • Sanitation/personal hygiene
  • Stove use and care
  • Wilderness cooking 
  • Survival skills
  • Wildlife – identification, use of spray & other deterrents, food storage

Wilderness Travel
  • Trail technique
  • Risk mitigation
  • Hazard evaluation
  • Route planning
  • Route finding
  • Map reading (compass & GPS navigation)
  • Weather
  • River crossings

Questions? Check out our FAQ page for details about our booking and cancellation policy, and other commonly asked questions.

Location


Typical trips leave from the Raven Lodge at Mount Washington and explore the area around Paradise Meadows and Forbidden Plateau. From here, we may hike peaks such as Mount Albert Edward, Castlecraig, and Mount Frink Note that the exact destination and location will be determined by weather conditions, time of year, your instructor, as well as group desires and needs. If the location of your trip differs from what is noted above, it will be stated on the booking tab.

Exact meeting details will be provided in a pre-trip email sent one-week prior to your course. 

Itinerary


This trip will run over 3 days and 2 nights, with an evening trip planning session held approximately one-week prior. 

Evening session:

A 60-90 minute virtual pre-trip planning meeting will be scheduled approximately one-week prior to your course over Zoom. In this session you will discuss route planning and selection, food logistics, gear requirements, and other important considerations. Typically sessions go from 18:30 to 19:30/20:00, unless otherwise stated. 

Day 1: 

Meet your instructor at 08:30 at the specified location. Here you will sign waivers and go through an orientation. Once everyone is ready, you will set off towards your camp. Curriculum delivery and schedule will be determined by the group and the instructor.

Day 2:

Curriculum delivery and schedule will be determined by the group and the instructor, but typically groups pick a peak as an objective for the day. 

Day 3: 

Curriculum delivery and schedule determined by the group and the instructor, aiming to return the to the cars by 16:00.

Exact meeting details will be provided in a pre-trip email sent one-week prior to your course. 

Questions? Check out our FAQ page for details, or send us an email. 

Requirements


This course is suitable for beginners and intermediates, and is almost entirely field-based. 

Please be prepared to:

  • Spend three days and two nights outside in variable conditions — including in rain, snow, and hot weather (see gear list)
  • Travel uphill, covering up to 700 metres of vertical gain while carrying a load of approximately 30 lbs over sections which may include bush, snow, and rough terrain 
  • Spend up to 6 hours on your feet

Questions about the suitability of this course? Send us an email. We’re happy to help you find or customize courses to suit your needs. 

Gear List


Temperatures on this trip could range from -5°C at night to around 25°C (+) during the day. 

Please ensure all clothing and equipment are in good repair, and that your boots and backpack are fitted properly to you. We encourage you to reach out with any questions you have about gear: 

Clothing

  • Long underwear (top and bottom), poly-pro, wool or silk
  • Mid-weight jacket, wool, fleece, synthetic or down
  • Rain gear (jacket and pants)
  • Toque, wool or fleece
  • T-shirt or long-sleeved shirt (white or other light colour), synthetic
  • Lightweight hiking pants, nylon or similar
  • Gloves

Footwear

  • Hiking boots (suitable for carrying a 30 lb. load over rough terrain - make sure these are properly fitted)*
  • 2 x pairs of socks, wool or synthetic blend
  • 2 x pairs of liner socks, poly-pro or silk (optional)
  • Gaiters that fit your boots (optional)
  • Lightweight camp shoes (optional)

*If possible, hiking boots should not be brand new. It is highly advised that participants have hiked in their boots before and know how they fit — and which areas of the foot may benefit from pre-taping to prevent blisters. Even seemingly well-fitting new boots can cause hot spots and blisters, which are highly distracting and can significantly affect your experience on the mountain.

Sleeping

  • 3-season tent 
  • Sleeping bag (warm to -5°C)
  • Therm-a-rest or other sleeping pad

Cooking

  • Small cooking pot
  • Fuel canister 
  • Stove 
  • Lighter
  • Eating vessel and utensils
  • 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, and various snacks (meal planning covered in pre-trip). 

Pack

  • 50L+ backpack with waist belt (please make sure this is properly fitted)

Other

  • 2 x 1 litre water bottles (or a 2L bladder)
  • Water purification system
  • Topographic map (included with course). *The map you use will depend on the area we hold this course — please send us an email to confirm
  • Mirrored compass (included with course)
  • Sun hat
  • Bug net for hat
  • Sunglasses with 100% UV block
  • Sunscreen
  • SPF lip balm
  • Toothbrush and a small container of toothpaste
  • Hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and ziplock bags
  • Head-lamp with spare batteries
  • Paracord (50ft)
  • Tarp (large enough to cover your tent for extra rain cover)
  • Pocket knife
  • Stuff sack (big enough to hold all your food and toiletries - this will be used for a bear hang)
  • Small first aid kit (optional)
  • Bug Spray (optional)
  • Hiking poles (optional)
  • Reading material (optional)
  • Camera/Phone (and Charger) (optional)
  • Feminine hygiene supplies (if needed)
  • Spare prescription glasses (if needed)

Your instructor will carry emergency gear, medical supplies, and a communication device. 

Rentals


Consider checking out Sports Rent in Victoria or Alberni Adventure Gear in Port Alberni. 

Questions? Check out our FAQ page for details, or send us an email. 

Testimonials

There are no testimonials for this trip yet.